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689-758: A picture book about the T’ang Dynasty artist Wu Daozi and the power of art
689-758: A picture book about the T’ang Dynasty artist Wu Daozi and the power of art
Who wants to learn calligraphy when your brush is meant for so much more? Wu Daozi (689-758), known as China’s greatest painter and alive during the T’ang Dynasty, is the subject of this stunning picture book. When an old monk attempts to teach young Daozi about the ancient art of calligraphy, his brush doesn’t want to cooperate. Instead of characters, Daozi’s brush drips dancing peonies and flying Buddhas! Soon others are admiring his unbelievable creations on walls around the city, and one day his art comes to life! Little has been written about Daozi, but Look and So masterfully introduce the artist to children.
This man is said to be China’s greatest painter. He started with a brush when he began to learn calligraphy from monks. He discovered a love of painting and began to draw and paint murals on walls.
As the legend goes, he discovers one day that his art could fly from the walls as what he was painting was so real. When he is asked to paint a picture for the emperor he is more than honoured. He started it but it took him so long that he got old and he is said to have walked into the final painting never to be seen again!
Destination: China Author/Guide: Lenore Look Departure Time: 689-758 Tang Dynasty
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